County Superintendent of Schools

About the role

The County Superintendent of Schools serves as the chief educational leader for assigned rural school districts and fulfills the statutory responsibilities of the County Superintendent as prescribed by North Dakota Century Code.

Essential Job Functions

• Provides executive leadership and supervision for assigned school districts.
• Advises school boards regarding educational, operational, financial, and legal matters.
• Implements board policies and administrative procedures.
• Develops long-range strategic plans and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Captures district operations to ensure efficient and effective delivery of educational services.
• Maintains positive relationships with school boards, staff, students, families, and community partners.

Education Leadership

• Provides leadership for curriculum, instruction, assessment, and student achievement.
• Supports continuous school improvement through data analysis and evidence-based practices.
• Supervises and evaluates certified and classified staff in accordance with district policy and state requirements.
• Coordinates professional development and instructional support for district personnel.
• Aids in the implementation of state and federal educational initiatives.

Fiscal Management

• Aids in the development and administration of district budgets.
• Oversees financial planning, purchasing, grant administration, and resource allocation.
• Maintains fiscal responsibility and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Pursues and administers grant funding that supports district priorities and educational programs.

Personnel Administration

• Supervises district personnel and supports recruitment, retention, evaluation, and professional growth.
• Promotes a positive organizational culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Aids in employee relations and personnel matters in accordance with board policy and applicable law.

Board and Government Relations

• Serves as the primary liaison between school boards, county government, and state agencies.
• Prepares reports, recommendations, agendas, and supporting documentation for school board meetings.
• Advise boards regarding policy development, governance, finance, and district operations.
• Represents the districts before governmental agencies and community organizations.

County Superintendent Responsibilities

• Performs statutory duties required under North Dakota Century Code, including but not limited to:
• Assisting rural school districts with state and federal compliance.
• Supporting school district reorganizations, annexations, and dissolutions.
• Serving as Secretary to the County School Reorganization Committee.
• Providing required reports to the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction.
• Assisting districts with budgeting, planning, and operational support.
• Conducting educator evaluations when assigned.
• Serving as a testing coordinator or proctor as required.
• Providing guidance to homeschool families.
• Coordinating countywide educational programs including MATHCOUNTS, the State Spelling Bee, bus driver training, reading recognition programs, and other student enrichment opportunities.
• Administering the McKenzie County Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
• Maintaining required educational records, affidavits, and statistical reports.
• Serving as an advocate for public education and rural schools.
• Facilitating emergency preparedness planning and regulatory compliance.
• Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and board policies.
• Overseeing required reporting, audits, accreditation activities, and program monitoring.
• Maintaining confidential records and documentation.
• Performing other duties necessary to accomplish the mission of the districts and fulfill the responsibilities of the County Superintendent of Schools.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• North Dakota Superintendent Credential or ability to obtain appropriate licensure.
• Successful experience in educational leadership and school administration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of school finance, personnel administration, curriculum, instructional leadership, and applicable education law.
• Strong communication, organizational, financial, and interpersonal skills.
• Valid North Dakota driver's license.
• Must be able to report to Watford City, ND daily at required schedule time.
• Proficient with MS Office programs including Word, Excel and Outlook.

Physical requirements and working conditions

• Must possess the ability to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer, copier, files, telephone and fax.
• Maintain attention to detail despite interruptions, vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the phone.

Benefits

• Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Single: 100% paid for employees
• Single+Child(ren): $269.28 monthly
• Family: $397.80 monthly
• Dental Single: 100% paid for employees
• Family: $16.98 monthly
• Vision Single: 100% paid for employees
• Family: $4.32 monthly
• Vacation Time: 0-2 full years earn 4 hours per pay period = 96 hours per year
• 3-5 full years earn 5 hours per pay period = 120 hours per year
• 6-9 full years earn 6 hours per pay period = 144 hours per year
• Over 10 full years earn 7 hours per pay period = 168 hours per year
• Sick Time: 4 hours earned per pay period = 96 hours per year
• Retirement Main Plan - County contributes 9.26%, Employee contribute 1%-3% - County will match
• Public Safety Plan - Employee contributes 1.5%, County matches 16.54%
• Certified Law Enforcement Officers (Deputies/Corrections) Flex Accounts Tax-free dollars set aside each month, up to $3,200.00 annually for medical expenses $5,000.00 annually may be set aside for day care expenses
• Life Insurance: McKenzie County provides $12,000.00 life insurance. Additional coverage available at a discounted rate.
• Other Deferred Income – 457B Similar to a 401k plan; minimum contribution amount is $25.00, max of $22,500.00 per year. Funds cannot be withdrawn until retirement, termination, or an unforeseeable emergency.
• Supplemental Insurance: MetLife plans may be purchased for an additional charge.